Advent Devotional December 12: God Speaks in Many Ways

Published December 12, 2017 by SMBC

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

By Cindy Hippel

How do we know God is with us in the midst of heartbreaking, challenging, gut-wrenching troubles? Look around. Sometimes He speaks to us in unexpected ways.

During the Hurricane Harvey debacle, I was on my way to an 8:30 doctor's appointment. While waiting in a left turn lane I glanced in my rearview mirror to see a sedan barreling from behind, showing no sign of braking. I knew I was about to be hit. BAM!! It happened in a split second.

In utter shock, I exited my car to encounter a cursing driver, her screaming three year old child, and the buckled hood of her car full of airbag debris. The scene was chaotic. Immediately we were surrounded by wrecker drivers, an ambulance, EMTs, and finally a kind police woman. Quickly the other driver and her child were taken o? in the ambulance. Neither car was drivable, so they were towed away. I rode with the wrecker driver to the collision repair service nearby. Later, I called and there were no serious injuries.

Driving a rental car for 12 days was unnerving. When I was approached from the back in heavy tra?c, I couldn't help cringing, fearing I would be hit again. Then, while driving on I-10, God spoke to me from billboard signs, of all places. I read:

- 24 hour/7 day service

- Stay cool, baby

- Do more

- Breathe easier now

There are some compelling Biblical truths in those words. Is God with us no matter what the circumstances? As my granddaughter, Mia, would say, "Of course He is, CiCi."

Heavenly father, thank you for your perfect love and presence. May we always know that we are never, never alone. Amen.

Cindy and Bill Hippel have been members of South Main since 1974. Their family consists of two grown sons, their wives, and five grandchildren. Cindy enjoys singing in the Sanctuary Choir and Agape, and teaching "527" grade girls.